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Greek salad

greek salad

Greek salad: discover this easy, vibrant recipe full of flavor, perfect for busy days and light lunches. Try it!
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Total Time 16 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced, unpeeled
  • 1 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup kalamata olives pitted, whole or halved
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled or cubed
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, to taste

Method
 

  1. Wash and prepare all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Thinly slice the red onion.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  3. Add the crumbled or cubed feta cheese over the salad mixture.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
  6. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp taste, or let it chill for 10 minutes before serving for intensified flavors.

Notes

Greek salad stands out as a timeless favorite that brings a burst of freshness and color to your table. This versatile dish is loved for its ability to fit into casual family lunches or elevate festive occasions. It's naturally vegetarian and wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe even on the busiest days.

Practical Tips for the Best Greek Salad

  • Choose the freshest vegetables you can find. Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes make all the difference in taste and texture.
  • If you prefer milder onions, soak the sliced red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes. This trick softens its sharpness without losing the flavor.
  • Authentic feta cheese truly elevates the salad, but if unavailable, use a firm, briny white cheese as a substitute.
  • Don’t skip the olive oil and vinegar dressing. Whisking them together with oregano first ensures the flavors distribute evenly throughout the salad.

Preparation Techniques & Helpful Advice

  • Combine ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the vegetables and cheese. Using salad hands or a wide spoon helps incorporate everything while preserving chunky textures.
  • For a brighter taste, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon to the dressing.
  • If you need to make the salad ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

  • Pair your Greek salad with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or fresh pita bread and hummus for a satisfying meal.
  • Turn it into a more filling dish by tossing in chickpeas, cooked quinoa, or even orzo pasta.
  • Customize with add-ins like avocado slices, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.
Let your creativity shine when serving Greek salad—serve it chilled on a hot day or at room temperature drizzled with a bit more olive oil. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!